Gerlena "Geri" (Reed) Clark

Gerlena (Geri) Clark was born to Richard and Adlena Reed in Blytheville, Arkansas on December 31, 1933.

She grew up in Poplar Bluff, Missouri and was baptized at a young age.  She graduated from Phyllis Wheatley High School and in September 1952 entered Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri where she majored in mathematics. It was there she met Benjamin and on December 25, 1955, they were married.  To this union, one daughter was born.

 In August 1958, they moved to Los Angeles, California. She joined Bethany Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. W.H. Wofford, Pastor, where she taught Sunday School, Women’s Mission Circle and Vacation Bible School, helped with the young people and co-chaired the Debutants and Masters for Christ.

After working at McDonald Douglas, Geri entered her chosen profession as an educator in the Los Angeles County Schools.  During that time she taught at Gompers Jr. High and Le Conte Jr. High, after which she began “the teachers’ teacher”.  She developed a curriculum in math for 82 school districts in Los Angeles County, produced and directed “Math For All” and “Math For All Plus” interactive satellite telecommunications programs and served as chairperson of the 1992 Mathematics Framework for the state of California.  She co-authored a high school math textbook for Houghton-Mufflin Company and a K-6 elementary series for Addison-Wesley Publishing Company.

Upon retirement, she and Ben moved back to Jefferson City, MO where they renewed ties with Second Baptist Church, Rev. Cornell Sudduth, Pastor.  Being a teacher at heart, Geri taught Adult Sunday School, Bible Study and Vacation Bible School.  She also tutored young people in math and helped teachers.

In 2013, she and Ben moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana.  They united with St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. Frederick Sleet, Pastor.  She taught Women’s Sunday School class and was the teacher for Women’s Ministry and assisted with Vacation Bible School. 

After the death of her husband, she entered Georgetown Place Assisted Living. She enjoyed the many activities and the fellowship there.  She made friends with the residents and staff.   During the Covid shutdown, she started a weekly Bible Study for the residents of the facility.  Even after she returned to Sunday worship at St. John, she continued the Bible study at the request of the residents.

Preceding her in death is Benjamin Clark, her husband of 63 years.  She leaves to mourn her loss, her daughter; Sheryl Ferguson, and son-in-law Phillip Ferguson, two granddaughters Rachel Kimble and Vanessa Ferguson, one grandson-in-law James Kimble and one great-grandson James Phillip Kimble (Chunka), other relatives, and many friends.

Geri touched many lives with Godly love, truth, and wisdom.   

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